Is It Recordable?
Scenario Q151

Scissor Accident: is it recordable?

Verdict: Recordable
Published 2021-03-28

Question

An employee is assembling flexible photovoltaic solar cell products in a manufacturing facility. While holding up a long sheet of flexible photovoltaic solar cells with one arm, he begins cutting the sheet with scissors. On the final snip the tip of the scissors nicks his arm and cuts a hole in his skin. The injury did not require stitches and was not recordable but after witnessing the injury, a coworker lost consciousness. Is it recordable?

Answer

YES. The injury caused by the scissors is not recordable, but the employee losing consciousness IS considered recordable.

1904.7(a)You must consider an injury or illness to meet the general recording criteria, and therefore to be recordable, if it results in ... loss of consciousness.

Illustration for the scenario: Scissor Accident

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Illustration for the scenario: Scissor Accident
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This is guidance based on 29 CFR Part 1904 and OSHA letters of interpretation. Facts and details may be altered or fictional. As specified by OSHA, the employer is responsible for the final recordability determination.